Ok so I passed Lelvel 2 and have already started Level 3.
I have completed the manual Sole Traders book and half way through the Sage Intermediate.
I am still registered as a studant Member of the ICB, and was wondering if I should upgrade to AfICB or just stay as studant as I will be completing level 3 before my student membership runs out.
If you upgrade you should have the choice of a simple upgrade giving you the new letters or an option whereby you extend your membership for a full year on upgrade, the latter usually works out slightly cheaper.
So it boils down to how you want to do things... I'm guessing from the exam names you are working on the new syllabus, so a full set of lv3's will give you AICB and the possibility of a practice licence. As before that you have to have your hand held and be checked for practically any paid work I don't see a vast benefit in upgrading before you complete the lv3's. Especially as you are studying now and expect to take the exams before your current membership comes up for renewal.
From experience, once you have that practice licence and a few clients, time for study goes out the window - so be warned! While I'm sure that working in a field you enjoy is a primary goal, don't worry if clients are a little slow to arrive once you start hunting, use the time to get more studying done - there's always something to learn :)
I cant see the point of upgrading your membership to Level 2 Affiliate if you are still studying for a practice licence. I would just carry on studying until you get to Level 3 and then upgrade your membership as it is only from Level 3 you can apply for a practice licence.
